Kidney Failure
What is Kidney Failure ?
Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from your blood. When your kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and your blood’s chemical makeup may get out of balance.
Acute kidney failure — also called acute renal failure or acute kidney injury — develops rapidly, usually in less than a few days. Acute kidney failure is most common in people who are already hospitalized, particularly in critically ill people who need intensive care. Acute kidney failure can be fatal and requires intensive treatment. However, acute kidney failure may be reversible. If you’re otherwise in good health, you may recover normal or nearly normal kidney function.
Symptoms
- Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal
- Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Seizures or coma in severe cases
Cause
Kidney failure usually doesn’t happen quickly. Other causes that may lead to kidney failure include Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is a condition you inherit from one of your parents that causes fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to grow inside your kidneys. Glomerular diseases. Glomerular diseases affect how well your kidneys filter waste. Autoimmune kidney diseases. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause organ damage, joint pain, fever and skin rashes.
Kidney failure can also develop quickly because of an unexpected cause. Acute kidney failure (acute kidney injury) is when your kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function. Acute kidney failure may develop within hours or days. It’s often temporary. Common causes of acute kidney failure include Certain medications. Severe dehydration. A urinary tract obstruction. Untreated systemic diseases, such as heart disease or liver disease.
Risk Factors
Kidney failure can affect anyone. However, you may be at a higher risk of developing kidney failure if you have diabetes. Have high blood pressure (hypertension). Have heart disease. Have a family history of kidney disease. Have abnormal kidney structure. Are Black. Are over 60. Have a long history of taking pain relievers, including over-the-counter products such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
When to see a Doctor
See your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you have signs or symptoms of acute kidney failure.